Category: Endurance Nutrition

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Snack Ideas for Student Athletes
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Snack Ideas for Student Athletes

A few weeks ago, I went into Target and saw several products of foods we would personally recommend to my student-athletes and active adult clients. While we will always preach eating real foods, that are low processed first, these options are great for anyone with limited time and little to no cooking skills, but would still like to improve their health.

Many of these items and ideas are great for the pantry at home, to pack in a backpack, have on hand during summer break or for the college dorm!

Just because you are low on time, are stopping at a gas station, or are traveling, does not mean that you have to sacrifice eating healthy. Below are some easy and quick ideas for meals on a time crunch.

BREAKFAST:

  • English muffin cut in half with sliced avocado paired with 3/4 cup Greek yogurt and mixed blueberries and raspberries.
  • A glass of Fairlife chocolate milk or plant-based alternative + Kashi cereal
  • Greek yogurt parfait: Make the night beforehand (Greek yogurt, berries, chia, nut butter)
  • English muffin/Whole-grain pita wrap with mashed banana and peanut butter
  • Toast + 2 oz. deli turkey + 1 oz. cheese + tomato wedges paired with chocolate CorePower
  • Hard-boiled eggs + apple + string cheese
  • Kodiak instant oatmeal+strawberries + Greek yogurt
  • Kodiak Cakes Power Cup Muffins(12 g of protein but you can add milk and Greek yogurt to increase protein) + fruit for more energy!
  • Kodiak cake frozen waffles or pancakes paired with grab n-go nut butter packets + 1 apple 
  • RX nut butter packets or Nuts ‘N More

LUNCH:

  • Spinach bowl topped with two hard-boiled eggs + 1-2 tbsp chickpeas, raspberries, almonds + avocado slices + Kind bar
  • Greek yogurt parfait, pepper/cucumber slices, apple, RX bar, cheese sticK
  • Banza Microwavable lentil pasta + add pre-cooked meat + cheese + marinara sauce
  • Whole-grain pita with 3 oz. deli ham + carrot sticks + kiwi slices + almonds
  • Whole-grain turkey cheese, spinach, tomato sandwich with mashed avocado + mixed fruit cup + serving of whole-grain pretzels
  • Tuna packet (17 g of protein)

DINNER:

  • Microwavable sweet potato
  • Grilled chicken salad: 2 oz of pre-grilled chicken added to a bed of spinach + romaine + ½ cup black beans/chickpea mix + mixed cheese blend, 1 sliced hardboiled egg, 1 tbsp. sunflower seeds with a dressing of choice. Highly recommend Bolthouse Farms Greek yogurt as a healthy dressing.
  • Frozen bag of riced veggies cooked in the microwave that can be topped with edamame, salsa, in a whole-grain tortilla, shredded pre-made pulled pork, cheddar cheese blend with avocado slices.

SNACKS ON THE GO:

Snack pairings (snacks should contain protein and carb) for athletes and for less active days a protein + a plant/healthy fat).
  • Snack pack nut butter + fruit
  • Greek Yogurt Cup + Almonds
  • Tuna Packet + Veggies
  • Sting cheese + Applesauce
  • RX Bar
  • Fruit
  • Grapes + Cottage Cheese
  • Hard-Boiled egg, nuts, dried fruit (healthy trail mix)
  • Hummus + celery/ cucumber/ carrot
  • Teriyaki beef jerky
  • Pre-cut bell pepper slices
  • Serving of trail mix + 2 hard boiled eggs

SUPPLEMENTS:

Whole meals first, supplement second. Supplements are meant to satisfy small gaps in nutrition and to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Good nutritional habits must be established first. For additional guidance to ensure your athletes are meeting their protein and carbohydrate needs check contact us at info@basiclivingbr.com for Nutrition Coaching and Guidance. No supplement can replace whole foods. Eat real foods.

Next time you are out for a road trip, need a quick pick me up, or just forgot to plan your meals, referance this post for easy options that can be found even at a gas station. Don’t sacrifice eating healthy because of time constraints. 

 

Happy healthy living!

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10 High Carb Foods, that are Incredibly Healthy
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10 High Carb Foods, that are Incredibly Healthy

high carb foods

Over the years carbohydrates have gotten a bad reputation. People often associate them with weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and a variety of other health conditions.

Yes, it is true that processed foods high in sugar and refined grains typically lack important vitamins and minerals. However, many nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods can be very good for you.

While low carb diets can be beneficial for some people, there’s no reason to avoid high carb foods altogether. Here are 10 high carb foods that are incredibly healthy:

1. Quinoa
  • Quinoa is highly nutritious and may help improve blood sugar management and support heart health. Quinoa is also high in protein and fiber, so it may be useful for weight loss, as both of these nutrients can help keep you feeling full for longer.
2. Oats
  • Oats contain many beneficial nutrients, including fiber and protein. Studies have also shown that eating oats lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
3. bananas
  • Bananas are high in potassium, a mineral that play a key role in regulating blood pressure. Less ripe bananas also contain resistant starch and pectin, both of which can improve digestive health.
4. Sweet Potatoes
  • Sweet Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, along with several other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
5. Beets
  • Beets are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. They also contain high amounts of inorganic nitrates, which can improve heart health and boost physical performance.
6. Oranges
  • Oranges are a good source of fiber. They also contain high amounts of Vitamin C and other healthy plant compounds. Eating oranges may benefit heart health and increase iron absorption to help prevent anemia.
7. Blueberries
  • Blueberries contain many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and help protect against oxidative damage.
8. Grapefruit
  • Grapefruit contains many beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It may provide numerous health benefits.
9. APPles
  • Apples contain a decent amount of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and plant compounds. Eating apples may improve blood sugar management, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and potentially even certain types of cancer.
10. Chickpeas
  • Chickpeas are excellent source of plant-based protein and contain many vitamins and minerals. Eating chickpeas has been linked to benefits of heart and digestive health, as well as potential cancer prevention.

The bottom line is that it is a myth that all carbs unhealthy. In fact, many of the healthiest foods are high in carbohydrates. That said, you shouldn’t eat carbs in large amounts if you are on a low carb diet. In addition, refined carbs such as white break and pasta, may be unhealthy in high amounts.